Matthew Palise joins Red Rich Fruits as Managing Director, quickly adding Citrus and Berries to Red Rich Fruits’ product range through vertical integration and establishing packing facilities in New South Wales.

Mick Napoleone passes away. Management of Red Rich Fruits hands to his sons, Joe and Michael (jnr).

Red Rich Fruits wins Woolworths ‘Supplier of The Year’ (VIC).

Red Rich Fruits’ Coldstream property is purchased and Punt Road Winery is established
on the site in 1999. The award winning Punt Road Wines label is subsequently launched (2001) followed by Napoleone Cider (2008) and Beer (2014).

The first Red Rich Fruits Market Store opens in the Melbourne Wholesale Markets. The presence is expanded to Sydney Wholesale Markets in 2009.

Red Rich Fruits begins supplying Safeway (now Woolworths).

Controlled atmosphere storage facilities are installed at the Wandin site replacing the cork- clad cool rooms built in 1962.

Mick marries Grace Mammoliti. Their daughter, Josephina ‘Josie’, is born the following year followed by sons, Joseph ‘Joe’, in 1961 and, Michael (jnr), in 1972.

Red Rich Fruits is incorporated.

Michael ‘Mick’ Napoleone purchases the family’s first property in the Yarra Valley. Apples are quickly planted, followed by Stonefruit (1955) and Pears (1960).